The European strawberry 
season is now in full swing, with the first shipments from German greenhouses and foil houses now successively hitting the market. "We expect the first regional goods from Münsterland in the course of the next week. The first open-field goods will then probably follow from week 18," says Mehmet Bozkurt, Managing Director of MAB Quality & Co.
At the moment, the trader is mainly concerned with the marketing of Greek strawberries, he continues. "After some relatively weak years, we are looking at a strong campaign this year in terms of volume. If the weather, demand as well as pricing play along, we will still be able to offer high-quality Greek strawberries throughout April. Greek strawberries are still very popular, especially at the German wholesale markets," says Bozkurt.
Mehmet Bozkurt is involved in the marketing of soft fruits and asparagus.
Parallel to the Greek strawberry season, the asparagus harvest there is now also taking off, Bozkurt adds. "After the successful first marketing year, we hope that the import volumes will remain the same this year, which is not a matter of course under the circumstances. Next year, we will then aim to increase yields again." Greek asparagus is expected to be available until the beginning of May, it is further stated.
The core competence of the Dortmund-based company, however, is the marketing of regional soft fruits and asparagus. The goods are sourced mainly from Münsterland and NRW. Bozkurt: "Until 3 to 4 weeks ago, it was mostly warm, then, as is well known, there was a cold front. Nevertheless, we expect a relatively high yield this year, both for asparagus and soft fruit." In the case of raspberries and kiwi berries, MAB Qualitity & Co even relies entirely on regional produce, adding. "The quality, taste and consistent volumes from German raspberries are quite unique."
For more information:
Mehmet A. Bozkurt
Mab Quality GmbH & Co. KG
Hugo-Pork-Straße 19
44141 Dortmund
Tel: +49 177 731 0009
[email protected]
fruchtjaeger.de